Guam is one step closer to bridging the island’s digital divide as the Office of Infrastructure and Policy Development has announced provisional subgrantee awards under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment, or BEAD, program.

About $5 million will fund the expansion of high-speed internet across the island, connecting more than 1,300 unserved and underserved areas, as well as 175 community anchors such as schools, libraries, and health centers.

Provisional awardees GTA, IT&E, and Starlink will prioritize buried fiber technology.

Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio says it's a future-proof, storm-resilient solution designed to withstand natural disasters and give our community the "technology foundation they need to thrive for decades to come."

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero added that while reliable, protected broadband and communication networks are a necessity for education, healthcare, and economic opportunity, it is also critical for "Guam's role as America's forward outpost in the Pacific."

The OIPD has also released the project's draft final proposal for public comment, only open until Sept. 1.

Submit your feedback to ensure the plan reflects the needs and priorities of Guam's residents by emailing broadband@guam.gov.

And to read the final proposal, see below.